I've been thinking about the body of the sportcycle (and how much I really don't like it) lately. I found a Concept vehicle from Peugeot called LiIon. As far as I know, its never been built, even in prototype. If you look at it next to the pic of the Naked Sportcycle, I could easily see something similar being adapted. Check it out:

First, the Sportcycle with its intended body (yuk! I get it, its supposed to look like an Indy car. IMHO it looks silly, and the fact that it just stops at the front of the 'bike' is just dumb...):

Then the Naked Sportcycle:

Peugeot LiIon:

Obviously, for the DIYer, the curves (especially the curved canopy) would be difficult if not next to impossible to duplicate, but I could see a more blocky and less elegant version of the LiIon body being adapted out of fiberglass and plexiglass.

In addition to most of my new coworkers being very interested in the project itself, a few have offered to help. One is an accomplished welder and offered to coach me through it if my brother doesn't have the time. Another used to race dirtbikes professionally. He knows all the shops around the area and said when I'm ready to buy a bike he can use his contacts to get me exactly what I need (high-CC sportbike, wrecked in front, don't care about plastics, but still running well and able to be tagged, etc) for cheap.

Obviously, for the DIYer, the curves (especially the curved canopy) would be difficult if not next to impossible to duplicate, but I could see a more blocky and less elegant version of the LiIon body being adapted out of fiberglass and plexiglass.

Take a sheet of clear or tinted plastic, lay it on a curved clawfoot tub with a bit of weight and let it sit outside in the sun.

Playing around in Paint I came up with this simple body. The sheetmetal shown is part of the original design and is meant to go under the fiberglass body to create the seat as well as ducting to direct air towards the bike's radiator. I will simple continue the sheetmetal forward to create a nose:

While I have decided to make no major modifications to the structural details as laid out by Mr. Musser, I do not want to give up completely on my idea of keeping a bike, or hot rod theme. Also, there is one other concern screaming at me, budget. I've come to the realization that I cannot afford a nice bike, not even close.

To that end, I believe a Ratrod / Ratbike cross is in order.

Basically, I want to take the best parts of both the Sportcycle and the Rat style.

1st, the Donor Bike:

Since I cannot afford a newer Superbike, I'm going to have to make do with something older, probably much older. What I'm finding locally in my price range (<$1K) are all late 70s early 80s bikes. There's a decent selection of high-cc "Needs Work" and "No Title" nightmares for me to choose from. From there it'll be a simple matter of getting it to run then Ratbiking it out. Lots of sanding and flat black primer seems to be the majority of the work there, maybe even a camouflage paint job, who knows? Since no one will actually ride the bike and I could expand into where the seat would have been if needed, I may remove the original motorcycle fuel tank and replace it with a larger fuel cell.

2nd, the Sportcycle:

So the basic Sportcycle structure will not change. Build-up will proceed as laid out in the plans, the only exception being that the body mounts will be unnecessary. Once basic construction is finished the Ratrodding begins, more flat black or cammo paint. Oklahoma law will require me to add fenders over the front wheels and keep the single Motorcycle headlight (although it says nothing about installing auxiliary driving lights, so I'll probably be going with a 3 light system for added visibility). I will add the simple sheet metal nose as pictured (poorly with MSPaint) above. The rims will be something simple, like steel Rallies (flat black, of course) with moon caps or maybe even some wirespoke wheels if I should hapen to get a bike with a wirespoke rear wheel. I'm slightly concerned with the vehicle sitting so low to the ground that the ability of other drivers to see me at night may be impaired. The only major departure away from the Rat style I intend to make will be to that end in the addition of Tireflies (those blinking LEDs that ricers put on their tire's valvestems)

Found a new European turn-key Trike called the T-rod, which, as best as I can tell, is just a Sportcycle clone with a different body. I LOVE this body. Much like the Lilon, it appears to be beyond my fiberglassing skill level, but if I were able to make my own body, this would be ideal.

Check out the Photoshopped clouds in the background of this one

And now the Naked Sportcycle and a "clothed" T-rod side by side for comparison:

Here's a video of a trike based on USFiero's brother's Indycycle. While the Indycycle and the Sportcycle are not the same, they are similar, and watching this video can give you and idea of what driving one of these is like:

While the T-Rex is great in itz own right, the G-2 Aero 3s has to be the most aggressive looking trike made thus far... Would love to have one!! It too, is built in Canada...... First set of pix are of the G-2 base model, basically a slightly different looking Rex, then the next group of photos are of the Aero 3s.......

While the T-Rex is great in itz own right, the G-2 Aero 3s has to be the most aggressive looking trike made thus far... Would love to have one!! It too, is built in Canada...... First set of pix are of the G-2 base model, basically a slightly different looking Rex, then the next group of photos are of the Aero 3s.......

Hey flyboy, send me some hi-res, un-molested images of your frame, and I can draw you some concept ideas so you can get a more accurate visual. I drew all of my concepts, like the one in my sig. My email is paul@grandesigns.net.

BTW, are you an E-2 pilot? I was an Aviation Electronics Tech for the EA-6B Prowler onboard the USS Carl Vinson, and we were always pretty good friends with the Hawkeye guys, since we both performed Electronic Warfare & countermeasures...

Hey flyboy, send me some hi-res, un-molested images of your frame, and I can draw you some concept ideas so you can get a more accurate visual. I drew all of my concepts, like the one in my sig. My email is paul@grandesigns.net.

BTW, are you an E-2 pilot? I was an Aviation Electronics Tech for the EA-6B Prowler onboard the USS Carl Vinson, and we were always pretty good friends with the Hawkeye guys, since we both performed Electronic Warfare & countermeasures...

Awesome offer and I appreciate it, but I haven't built it yet, the pic in the post you quoted is of another builder's trike.

No, I'm not a pilot (always had aspirations of becoming one, though) Up until June of this year I was a Reservist in the 513MXS down at Tinker AFB, OK (couple hours SW of Tulsa). I worked Radar Maintenance for the E3 Sentry.

Don't know how I missed this thread, but why not contact my brother through his web site as he designed the frame and suspension with a drag race car builder and used some engineering programs for the suspension. The body style is not set in stone so you can have fun with that. From the web site:

quote

Plans for the IndyCycle are currently for sale for $75. They consist of 18 pages of drawings on 8 1/2" x 11" paper, a parts list (as of April '04) and a very brief assembly guide. The drawings describe the dimensions of the front body shell, the front suspension arms, the front subframe, and the connection points for the front suspension to the subframe. They are kept intentionally vague in several areas so that only people with an understanding of frame design, suspension, and control systems will be able to fabricate a roadworthy vehicle.

It is not a "by-the-numbers" or "step-by-step" packet of information. The IndyCycle has never been crash tested (and hopefully never will be while I am driving it), but has endured a variety of stresses during its seven year existence. Since the design is unproven, I understand the reality that something could break at any time, and am willing to accept those risks. Anyone who builds an IndyCycle according to my plans must be willing to do the same.

In addition to the plans, e-mail and phone support will be available to those who purchase the plans. If you are not satisfied with the quality or support provided, you can contact me and return the plans within 30 days of receipt for a full refund.

Originally posted by Gokart Mozart:Take a sheet of clear or tinted plastic, lay it on a curved clawfoot tub with a bit of weight and let it sit outside in the sun.

Plexiglass isn't that difficult to mold... I just built a molding rack, and those windshields would actually be extremely easy to form out of plexi... Safety glass is a different story though.

quote

Originally posted by OKflyboy:What I'm finding locally in my price range (<$1K) are all late 70s early 80s bikes. There's a decent selection of high-cc "Needs Work" and "No Title" nightmares for me to choose from.

AFAIK, you *should* be able to get one without a title, strip the guts, toss the frame, then build the entire thing custom (without any of the bike frame parts), then you can go to the DMV and get a VIN & title for a custom vehicle, since you built the entire chassis from scratch. That would probably save you a few $$ by buying a title-less bike, cuz I doubt your custom fabrication of the frame & swing arm would cost that much vs having to find one with a title. Just my suggestion.

Don't know how I missed this thread, but why not contact my brother through his web site as he designed the frame and suspension with a drag race car builder and used some engineering programs for the suspension. The body style is not set in stone so you can have fun with that. From the web site:

I love your brother's vehicle, it is a work of art and he should be very proud of the fruit of his labor, but its this statement -

quote

It is not a "by-the-numbers" or "step-by-step" packet of information... They are kept intentionally vague in several areas so that only people with an understanding of frame design, suspension, and control systems will be able to fabricate a roadworthy vehicle.

(emphasis mine)

- that prompted me to buy Jim Musser's Sportcycle plans instead. Having only a basic understanding of frame design, suspension, and control systems, I wanted a step by step guide, not anything intentionally vague.

AFAIK, you *should* be able to get one without a title, strip the guts, toss the frame, then build the entire thing custom (without any of the bike frame parts), then you can go to the DMV and get a VIN & title for a custom vehicle, since you built the entire chassis from scratch. That would probably save you a few $$ by buying a title-less bike, cuz I doubt your custom fabrication of the frame & swing arm would cost that much vs having to find one with a title. Just my suggestion.

depending on the laws in his state.. he could do that, but it may be what they call a "bonded" title? I was just looking into it the other day but didnt read much into that, but I'd look into it before you build it.. from what I have read, you basicly have to have reciepts/bill of sale for all of the parts you use, which also helps with value when you get insurance..

You may be interested in this. I believe it was made from a design concept shown back in the Seventies in Popular Science (or Mechanics). The magazine ver. had a motorcycle drivetrain married to a custom frame with a VW bug front end.Seen at Carlisle 2005

Really cool, no longer produced and very hard to find living examples. The molds were for sale several years back from the original producer, word has it someone bought them but never created anymore vehicles or kits with them...

Here's some pics of a really nice Fireaero that was up for sale a few years back, the owner dubbed "the puma":

- that prompted me to buy Jim Musser's Sportcycle plans instead. Having only a basic understanding of frame design, suspension, and control systems, I wanted a step by step guide, not anything intentionally vague.

The irony was that Jim and my brother had a little legal dispute over the Indycycle name: my brother had copyrighted it first, and while the designs are somewhat different, Jim started using the name and planning to crank out production vehicles. the legal system what it is, it was never feasable. Besides, slapping those faux intakes was a silly addition of weight and a royal pain to climb over. Jim claimed the name was trademarked by Indianapolis Motorsports, yet my brother has copyrighted the name. The plans are 'vague' for legal and practical purposes; it allows for a variety of bikes to be used. Either way, as you can see from the videos, you get a wild ride. Not dissing your choice, but trying to give my brother some representation. His design is very refined, with a steering system with less bump steer up front. Because of the detail in the frame, it would require the assistance of an experienced fabricator/welder. First-timers need not apply. As far as the suspension hardware, they are nearly identical from what I understand. I like the rear tail, and wish my brothers' ride had a cowl of some type.This is the body off of the IndyCycle:and the SportCycle:You can see a more refined amount of engineering in the IndyCycle; specifically check the geometry of the front steering. James credits the drag shop he hired to make sure it was strong and light. The drag shop built NHRA 200+ MPH dragsters as well, so that ain't no flimsy frame. I dunno if any other engineers/welders/fabricators want to chime in or not.

I just talked to my brother Saturday (His Birthday) and we briefly discussed his design. He's re-designed the front suspension again, and has sent all his customers the updated design specs. He says it's a bolt-on change.He offers a money-back guarantee.

Okay, not a reverse trike, but still pretty neat:Homebuilt motorcycle-based Mini dune buggies!

The Barracuda:

The Badland ST2:

Anyway, I wonder what it would take to make 'em streetable. In Oklahoma I would think, what? Lights (head, marker and tail) taxes to Uncle Sam, maybe some street tires?

There's a British company called Rage that makes the R180T:

That decided to get into the "Street legal" game and came out with the R180RT:

Anyway, financially, things haven't improved since I had contemplated and decided I couldn't afford to build the Monster Miata, and I'm not any closer to trying to take on a mini-buggy then a RT or MM, just thought it was cool...

No, still no money, still no Reverse Trike, Monster Miata or Mini-buggy. However, I've now got a complete ally in my wife. She's always been supportive in my silly projects in a roll her eyes kinda way. But I've finally found a project she's excited about, and it came as a bit of a shock.

She wants a mini-buggy!

So... someday, after we've moved out of this house and have a shop to build in, and, of course, the money to build with, she wants me to try my hand at building something like this ST3 (which is basically a 2-seater version of the Badlands ST2 I picture in my post above) then making it street legal:

They also now have plans for the ST4 which looks bada$$ (but I'm sure would be WAY above my skill level):